MOTHER and CHILD

     A "MOTHER'S LOVE" is the exact definition of what unconditional and eternal love really means!

     If there is one person that I love the most... it's my mom. I always love it when my mother and I used to have coffee every morning and I will be the one to make her caffeinated drink. We talk anything under the sun on what we have gone through the other day. It makes me feel good when I crack a joke and I can make her laugh or make that glimpse of smile appear on her face. Simple talks and moments that gives bliss in my heart as it radiates to the ambiance of the whole room. A good conversation with my mom with her cuddles and kisses takes me to a perfect state of happiness. She implanted on me and with my siblings how to be a good parent to our future children someday by means of her actions and not by words alone. Setting up on us as a good example with the guidance of our father as well. I am happy and blessed that I have my "Nanay" with me... and she alone is enough as an inspiration for me to strive more and do good in life.

     Being a certified "Mama's Boy" doesn't make you less as a man and shouldn't be shameful at all because I'm proud to be one.
     HAPPY MOTHER's DAY Nanay :)

Photo by: Sukito San

FAITH and RELIGION

     Faith is the real essence of any religion... as religion is the foundation of one's faith.

     I am a devout Catholic and that is my religion. But my "faith" in HIM is above my religion and more than its boundaries because it is a deep personal relationship. Religion on the other hand is the catalyst that introduces man to his faith. But, "faith" for me is more than just a word and deeper to define that only my heart can read and not by my eyes and words alone. It's the trials, hardships, and gratitude in life that purifies one person to light up the spark on his faith in any religion where he belongs. Religion divides us as spiritual life seekers. But all of us has one common faith within us that only differs with its sincerity and clarity depending on the manner of how we hone it ourselves and allow it to change our lives on the good side. Not for ourselves alone but being good to others as well. Some people wanted to look for an explanation and be scientifically-oriented on this matter... and I can't blame them, for we are all entitled of free will for our own life choices. Most of all, FAITH is NOT FORCED... it is felt wholeheartedly without waiting something in return. With no offense meant to anyone, atheist, or any religion... as I respect religion in all forms.

     In my humble opinion, religion is the practice of one's faith. But, faith is the life... not of the religion but of the one who bears it. 

     Be blessed everyone!

Photo by: Sukito San

COLORS and HAPPINESS

     Life is colorful if we keep on being happy!

     My family used to hang out in my sister's backyard with this boring wall behind. Well, since I've been doing wall murals... I simply painted it with striped colors which is appetizing to the eyes as you can see in the picture. Knowing that my family always bring food and simple snacks while hanging out on this place. Kids in our family as well as the adults loved it and it changed the ambiance of the place from a boring one into a happy yard with a yummy-looking wall behind it. Actually, we already named it as the "Ice Cream Wall". It only proves that colors can really take an effect on one's mindset and feelings when the eyes starts to look on such hues and brightness. I think, our brain and heart is visual in nature. And a happy mind always gives birth to positive views which makes us an optimistic person.

     Bring more colors into your life... because a happy life is a healthy life. Good vibes everyone :)

Photo by: Sukito San

CONFIDENCE and SELF-ESTEEM

     Always think that you are worthful... and never give an inch to anyone who will pull you down.

     I've always been the thin and skinny boy in school. So, when I'm capable enough to make myself look better, I grab the chance of doing so. You have to make a way if you really want to attain something. Since, I can't afford to go to gym that time. I used to borrow barbells to anyone I know who already has it. I started doing sit ups and push ups regularly. And it paid off after a year and a half of doing it religiously. "No pain, no gain", as the saying goes. My self confidence and self-esteem starts to improve and boost up because I like what I see when I look in the mirror. It's like the new and better version of myself. And if you feel good about yourself, positive auras and good vibes tends to radiate out of you and people around you will surely notice that. It's not bad to look good that you wanted yourself to become as long as you don't overdo and exaggerate things. Also, it feels good to inspire someone to make themselves better as well because you're a living proof to it.

     All of us are beautiful in our own unique way. Love what you have and enhance what you got.

Photo by: Sukito San

MERCY and COMPASSION

     MERCY is divine when freely given with a heart full of COMPASSION.

     When Pope Francis came here in the Philippines for his PAPAL VISIT within the period of January 15-19, 2015... our family and I made it a point to see the Pope and go to hear his mass at the Quirino Grandstand. His visit has a theme of "Mercy and Compassion", for the Pope wanted to visit and show his compassion towards the victim of the last typhoon and earthquake that took many lives and left grieving families empty-handed in Visayas, Philippines. 

     It turned out to be rainy that day due to a typhoon. But still, people were eager enough to see the Pope personally despite of the bad weather condition. As we head to the mass before sunrise in Rizal Park, popularly known as Luneta, a mother with his two young boys approached and begged us if they can come with us as we commute  and do the long walk in going to the said mass for the reason that she and her kids don't know how to get there. And so my mom, my siblings and I agreed for them to come with us. The closer we get to our destination, the more the crowd gets bigger. Roads are getting congested and overcrowded. Our family is firm in heading  in the front area of the grandstand because we really wanted to see Pope Francis in personal for this is once in a lifetime chance and might never happen again or might took years and decades before this moment repeats itself. But, the mother that joined us ask if we can just stay in the place where we are currently standing because her children can't go on anymore due to tiredness, hunger, and coldness as the rain continues... and we only have our plastic raincoats as protection against it.

     Aside from the fact that they were also carrying big bags and a Sto. Niño image as well. Our family and I stayed because we should prioritize the safety of the children that's with us... although we really wanted to be in front and see the Pope in person. Still, safety should come first especially for the kids.The  most awaited moment came as Pope Francis waved his hands among the crowd... and we failed to see him personally because of the overwhelming crowd.

     We felt frustrated of not seeing the Pope in person. Yet, we felt blessed because we have lived his message which is "Mercy and Compassion", by showing it to the mother and children who got along with us.

Photos by: Sukito San  

SHADOWS and SKELETONS

     Shadows of the past will always haunt us back as long as we keep skeletons in our closet...

     Unresolved issues in our lives that has been buried long before as we try to forget it will be forever etched deep within us not unless we free ourselves from it. It will always be a shadow that will follow us as we go on in life. Forgetting it is a temporary solution or more as an escape than solving life's negative issues which we cannot avoid for it is a part our existence. Facing it... accepting it... and dealing it with right judgment, fair wisdom, and forgiving heart will free us from being a prisoner of our dark past.

     I realize that those shadows and skeletons in our lives are there on purpose... and that is to benefit from it as a lesson not to fall from it again and appreciate more of what freedom from our own crosses truly means. 

Photo by: Sukito San

MOMENTS and MEMORIES

     Life is a collection of moments as time turns it into memories.

     It's hard for us to remember the exact dates of our life events... because it's the moment that we truly remember.  Moments are compiled by the heart while the brain filters it and then archive it as memories. 

Shared moments with a loved one... will always be remembered by the heart even the mind begins to forget as it gets old with time. On this sense, moments taught me to treasure them as I enjoy their company... while imprinted memories in my head made me value it even more. It made me realize to never be ashamed or be afraid of showing how I love my family and friends while they're still here with me. Happy and unexpected moments are the ones that can wow us in the future when we suddenly think about it while leaving a slight glowing smile on our faces.

     Create priceless moments because they are the ones that give everlasting memories :)

Photo by: Sukito San

FATHER and SON

    You'll know that you're a good father... if your son looks up to you as his first and original hero.

     One of my unforgettable moment with my father is when we both lend a helping hand in making a coffee table out of old and scrap wood. We don't really get along with each other that much before but a bonding that took place over this coffee table bridge the gap somehow as we enjoy each others company in one activity. It's like we finally meet at one point without any walls that divides us. 
      Any son can be a father soon... and any father were once a son. So, he will surely understand what his young man feels and have been going through. Likewise, the son will soon realize his father's actions because he too, will fill up that shoes one day when the time is right.    

     By the way, the coffee table on the picture is what my father and I have completely done... and I'm proud of it!

Photo by: Sukito San

RAIN and RESURRECTION

     Rain taught me HOPE in every DOWNFALL. It's like heaven's tears that falls on the ground, then the Earth absorbs it... and gives life to all the living things above it.   

     I love bathing under the pouring rain... most especially when I was a kid. In fact, I still kinda do it sometimes until now that I'm no longer in my childhood years. I think, rain gives us different feelings and emotions depending on the mood, experiences and memories that we've had with it. It might be a shallow topic to talk about. But, it brings back a lot of memories in me. Some are bad... yet most of them are good. Actually, one's childhood is never complete without the experience of playing under the rain. It just makes me feel carefree for a while and unload life's burden. It's like you are being resurrected from dry spell's sweat and dust. 
     Rain cleanse my mind and adds up a pinch of sensuality and freedom as it drops on my skin. As for me, it's God's love and gratitude towards mankind... simple yet the best :)

   

Photo by: Jonelyn Santiago

DESTINY and DECISION

     We are the maker of our own path... and it's that one big decision of a lifetime which can change our lives forever.

     We normally ask for a sign when we are facing a moment of making big decisions. Some relies their future with what the stars hold for them. But actually, we are the ones who has the final say of what we wanted to do with our lives. We decide on something because we want change and we want to make our dreams happen. We decide because we want things to go on our way... which simply means that we are the one who has the power to shape of what our destiny holds for us. It's what we do today that will dictate of what lies ahead for tomorrow. It's never wrong to ask for Divine providence to provide us wisdom in any decision we make because it encourages us more to pursue for we have something to believe and to hold on to.

     Actually, deep within... we know what we want. We're just busy making alibis because we doubt and not fully trusting ourselves...

Photo by: Sukito San